Japan is a huge influencer for design, but no where to they influence as much as in bathroom design. Due to the small spaces we wrestle with in our cities, Japanese bathroom's offer a lot of insights. Here then is a roundup of our top Japanese Bathroom posts:
• Japanese Toilet Revealed: "This just in from Taco, who read an old post on Japanese toilets and found a needle in a haystack:
Search for "05-Toilet" on Google Images and the second result will be the Japanese-style toilet+sink combo.
This is from Donkeymon.net, an extremely articulate blogger who seems to be studying in Japan and studying Japan at the same time. (Thanks, Taco!)
I like the idea of integrating the toilet and sink. I think it is a brilliant solution to small spaces, but how do you use the sink if the toilet is sitting right in front of it?
view Comicgeek's profile
The toilet/sink combo is not a substitute for a sink - It's only used for washing hands after using the facilities - the water is cold only (use soap, please) and is the same water used to fill the tank, so it starts running when you flush and stops when the tank is full.
view bepsf's profile
Yes, but how do you use it? Do you straddle the seat? Bend over? Kneel on the toilet lid? It looks cumbersome.
view Comicgeek's profile
Comicgeek, you just stand in front of the toilet facing the sink, reach out and wash your hands. If you are very short you may have to lean forward, if you are very tall you may have to lean downward. It's the same basic dimensions as the average toilet so just try to touch the top of your toilet tank at home you'll see it isn't a difficult reach.
My question is about the soap, since the water fills the tank and bowl are there certain types of soap that are better suited to this situation? Something that won't cause soap scum or too many bubbles when you flush?
view Slim's profile
I used these often when living in japan. The sink over the toilet is meant just for after you use the toilet. We didn't use any special soap for that sink. Right outside of the toilet closet was a normal sink for when you need to wash your hands but not use the toilet. The bath was typically located in another closetish area (not in the same room as the toilet).
I'm fairly short and didn't need to straddle the toilet to use the sink. It's the same size as an American toilet and the seat doesn't really get in the way at all.
The bathtubs were also interesting because they were really deep, but much shorter front to back then American tubs. YOu could have a nice long soak without having to use as much water and it was more comfortable to me then typical deep american tubs.
view rierei's profile
When I've been out roaming in this Great Land of Ours, upon my return I'm happier to be greeted by my Toto Washlet than by my cats.
view Jaze's profile
I was looking at the toilet tank sink when I thought I was moving into an apartment where the bathroom had no sink, just shower and toilet. In strangely configured urban apartments I think this is a great solution-- definitely better than not having a bathroom sink at all. Luckily I found a cheaper, bigger apartment with a much nicer bathroom.
view meganificent's profile